Black Friday

Let's keep it in perspective, people. How much we spend on each other for Christmas presents has nothing to do with how much we love each other. And I am not just saying that because we are trying to save money here. I would much rather receive a small item handmade with love than anything else.

Recently Jim found a news story featuring a crazy lady who "felt guilty because she is unemployed this year and can't treat her THREE YEAR OLD to the $600 Christmas shopping spree she got last year." You know, last year when she was TWO.

Are you kidding me?? Guilt over not spending a ridiculous amount of money (that she probably didn't really have last year, either) on a kid that young when they don't know the difference between a toy that costs $5 or $50 as long as it is entertaining? What kind of expectations is this mother setting her daughter up for with behavior like this? Fast forward 13 years and I bet we find a girl demanding a BMW for her birthday. Fast forward 23 years and I bet we find a young woman with impossible monetary standard for any mate to be able to live up to. This girl believes she is entitled to the world - and will probably end up miserable because she can't have it - all because mommy let her have a $600 shopping spree at the age of two.

I think this is an important lesson we need absorb as parents and we need to pass on to our children. Money is not what is important. So when you hit those Black Friday sales (for those of you crazy enough to do this - I know who you are), keep this in perspective as you are being lured by all those sweet deals. What REALLY matters? That big ticket item you can get 25% off for, or something smaller that, perhaps, you spent time on and made by hand?

Happy shopping.
Love,
Your Conscience